Denmark edge Norway in thriller as both advance alongside Switzerland

MUNICH (Germany) - Denmark, Norway and Switzerland all booked their tickets to the next phase of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers after a dramatic conclusion to the First Round.

The trio join Austria, Cyprus and Romania in advancing to the Second Round alongside the six teams that were eliminated from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers.

Denmark survived a dramatic collapse as they almost squandered a 22-point lead late in the third before holding on to beat Norway 64-62 on the road. Jonas Zahore posted 19 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists in the win, which cemented his side as Group C winners.

Despite the loss, Norway took one of the two best-ranked runners-up spots to take the agony away from their 28-12 fourth quarter comeback falling short as they had a chance to snatch victory at the buzzer.

Switzerland ensured they sealed qualification after overcoming Ireland on the road in a hard-fought 88-82 success in Dublin. Roberto Kovac netted 22 points, while Jonathan Kazadi came close to a triple-double with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists.

The visitors pulled clear in the second half with a 30-18 third period proving pivotal in ending the hopes of Ireland, who were led by Taiwo Badmus' 23 points.

Meanwhile, Romania ended Albania's slim hopes of making it through as they recorded a 76-62 victory to complete a perfect campaign in Group A behind a 22-point outing from Alex Olah on 9-of-10 shooting from the floor.

Austria also backed up their qualification to finish with a 5-1 record in Group A with a dominant 78-49 win at home to Cyprus as Jakob Poeltl pulled down 18 boards to go with 10 points, 3 assists and 3 blocks.

The Second Round action will commence in August, while Albania, Ireland, Kosovo and Luxembourg will drop into the Third Round for a final chance to make it to the Qualifiers.

FIBA